Five Fundamental Types of Flexible Circuits as described below:
1. Single-Sided Flexible Circuits
The most basic configuration featuring a single conductive layer of copper foil laminated to a flexible base material using adhesive. The construction typically includes a protective covercoat bonded over the copper layer for insulation and environmental protection.
2. Double-Sided Flexible Circuits
These circuits incorporate conductive layers on both sides of the flexible base material, with copper foil laminated to each surface. Both external conductive layers are normally protected with bonded covercoats for complete circuit encapsulation.
3. Multilayer Flexible Circuits
Constructed by laminating multiple flexible base materials and copper foil layers together using adhesive systems, similar to rigid multilayer board fabrication. The outer layers typically receive protective covercoats like single and double-sided variants.
4. Flex-Rigid Circuits
Hybrid structures combining rigid printed circuit boards with flexible interconnects, where the flexible portions are laminated to rigid sections using specialized bonding materials to create integrated three-dimensional circuit assemblies.
5. Flexible Circuits with Rigid Areas
Specialized designs incorporating localized rigid reinforcements (typically polyimide or glass/epoxy laminates) in specific areas to provide mechanical support for heavy components or connector systems while maintaining flexibility in other sections. |